Drivers warned of freezing rain hazards on several B.C. highways
Credit to Author: Tiffany Crawford| Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2020 19:24:30 +0000
While snow and wind warnings have been lifted for Metro Vancouver, drivers are being warned about hazardous conditions because of freezing rain on several highways.
On Saturday, Environment and Climate Change Canada posted a freezing rain warning for the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt, and Highway 3, from Hope to Princeton via Allison Pass.
The agency says a strong storm system will bring snow to the Fraser Valley, while warm air will lead to freezing rain on parts of the Coquihalla and the Hope Princeton highways before a transition to rain showers by Saturday evening.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots will become icy, slippery and hazardous, the agency warned.
Authorities are asking drivers to consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Meantime, hazardous winter conditions are also expected on the Sea to Sky Highway Saturday.
The storm has brought a mix of wintery weather including heavy snow, freezing rain, and blowing snow.
The agency warns that as temperatures rise there could be freezing rain, which has the potential to create a thick layer of ice on the roads.
Forecasters anticipate up to 20 centimetres of snow for Squamish, while the route north of Squamish will receive 30 to 40 centimetres by Sunday morning.
The agency says rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult, and visibility will be reduced.
ticrawford@postmedia.com